Not long ago, the BEST wanted to phase out double-decker buses. Now, the undertaking not only wants Mumbai to retain its beloved monsters, but it also plans to introduce them in an air-conditioned avatar.

Accord Advertisement Pvt Ltd has offered to provide 100 fully air-conditioned double-decker buses to the undertaking in return for ad rights at bus stops and on the buses. Initially, 10 buses are proposed to be operated on a pilot basis. Depending on response, the fleet would be increased to 100.

Motorcyclists in the city are leading the pack in an emerging segment of buyers who look at bikes as a status symbol rather than just a utility.

“You can expect more superbikes being launched in the country going ahead as the base of enthusiasts increases with Bangalore leading the trend,” said Sanjay Tripathi, Division Head – Product Planning and Marketing, Yamaha.

According to industry insiders, thanks to the increased level of awareness and higher disposable incomes, the biking culture in the city is catching resulting in Banglaore accounting for over 40% of the superbikes sold in the country.

Much like car companies, two-wheeler makers also reported healthy growth numbers in February with Bajaj Auto being the only exception since it reported a 17% decline in sales. But despite doing poorly compared with February 2008, Bajaj managed to claw back to the second position in the domestic two-wheeler pecking order - a position it had relinquished to Honda Motorcycle & Scooter India (HMSI) for some months in the current fiscal.

Market leader Hero Honda Motors continued its growth spree, logging 24% growth at 329,055 units (265,431 units) and laying claim to a market share of over 56%. Much of this growth has come from the company’s new launches such as Passion Pro Power Start.

Savio Alva, senior copywriter and Hetal Ajmera, creative director — part of the Young Creatives Team of JWT, Mumbai were adjudged the winners of Advertising Agencies Association of India's (AAAI) national ad contest. Members were invited to send entries on the theme 'Don't drink and drive'.

Ajmera said, "A lot has already been done on the theme of 'Don't drink and drive'. We used another approach. A lot of new cars in the market today have a host of safety features to help you. The point we tried to make, is that none of those features are going to be of use, if you drink and drive."

March quarter, fiscal numbers may match last year's at best

February brought cheer for most car and two-wheeler makers with double digit sales growth. But analysts sounded a word of caution — despite February bounty, cumulative numbers for the March quarter as well as for the fiscal may manage to settle at last year levels at best. In some cases, there could be significant declines, too.

They point out that last February, apprehensions about impending Budget announcements had led people to postpone vehicle purchase but since the full Budget wasn't present in February 2009, there was a corresponding jump in offtake.

Luxury car maker Bayerische Motoren Werke AG (BMW) has overtaken its arch rival Mercedes Benz by selling 270 cars and sports utility vehicles (SUV) in the country. The company also launched a luxury SUV, X6 in diesel and petrol model with price tag of Rs 65.9 lakh and Rs 82.9 lakh and hoped to attain supremacy in the luxury car segment in coming times.